Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers Preview & Prediction | 2025 NRL | Regular Season
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McDonald Jones Stadium is the venue for a Friday clash as the struggling Newcastle Knights host the red-hot Penrith Panthers.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Foxtel / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – Kayo Sports / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
Newcastle Knights team news
Jake Arthur has been named to make his club debut at five-eighth, to partner Jack Cogger in the halves. Bradman Best has been named in the centres in his return from a knee injury. JacksonHastings and Jack Hetherington have also been replaced by the pairing of Thomas Cant and Elijah Leaumoana.
Squad: 1. Dane Gagai 2. Dominic Young 3. Fletcher Hunt 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Jakob Arthur 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Jermaine McEwen 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Phoenix Crossland 14. Thomas Cant 15. Mathew Croker 16. Tyson Frizell 17. Elijah Leaumoana 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Jackson Hastings 20. Kyle McCarthy 21. Jack Hetherington 22. Matthew Arthur
Penrith Panthers team news
Isaah Yeo is sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury in Round 22, with Isaiah Papalii the man to take over at lock. Scott Sorensen joins the bench as he attempts to return from a leg injury, while Liam Martin starts in the back row alongside Luke Garner.
Squad: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Brad Schneider 15. Liam Henry 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Scott Sorensen 18. Paul Alamoti 19. Jack Cole 20. Daine Laurie 21. Mavrik Geyer 22. Luke Sommerton
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers prediction
The Newcastle Knights (14th) are coming off a bye but have lost their last four games, including a 26-point loss to the Canberra Raiders in Round 21.
In stark contrast, the Penrith Panthers (5th) are on a nine-game winning streak, recently clinching a last-minute 30-26 win over the Gold Coast Titans. The turnaround for the Panthers has been remarkable after they found themselves on the bottom of the ladder after Round Eight.
The Knights are bolstered by the return of strike centre Bradman Best from a knee injury, with Jake Arthur partnering Jack Cogger in the halves.
In a challenging season for his team, Dane Gagai has been a standout performer, leading the club and ranking third in the NRL for tackle breaks with 112. He has re-signed for another season in a boost for the club.
Young Panthers centre Casey McLean has scored four tries in the past three matches.
Since 1988, Penrith holds a narrow 29-25 head-to-head lead. However, the Knights pulled off a major upset when these teams last met in Round 12, ambushing an under strength Panthers 25-6 in Bathurst.
The absence of Isaah Yeo is a major blow for Penrith, disrupting their rhythm. This might give Newcastle a sniff, especially after their upset win in Round 12. However, Penrith's current form is irresistible , and they will be seeking revenge.
Newcastle Knights vs Penrith Panthers tip: Penrith Panthers to win & Casey McLean to score a try
